Hanover plan to face Steinbach opposition

Steinbach city council authorized city officials on Tuesday night to move forward with formally opposing development plan changes proposed by the RM of Hanover.

Steinbach administration said in a report to council that efforts by the neighbouring municipality to create rural business policies within the plan, are inconsistent with their 2015 joint annexation agreement, as well as provincial land use policies.

Primarily, the city's objections surrounded efforts by Hanover to shift commercial and industrial growth away from its urban centres. The rural municipality's development plan includes designations for commercial zoning east of Mitchell, along Highway 12 towards Steinbach, and industrial properties south of Blumenort towards the city.

The province previously voiced concerns about Hanover plans to expand its local urban districts, which would have laid the groundwork for similar zoning changes to occur.